A World XI squad comprising 13 players from seven top cricket-playing nations landed in Lahore early Monday amid massive security, with Pakistan hoping the tour will end years of international isolation.

The World XI, which will play three Twenty20 internationals from Tuesday, arrived around 2:00am Pakistan time (2100 GMT) with air surveillance and dozens of police vans in attendance as the team was whisked to their hotel.

West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy has already visited the country earlier this year for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore amidst tight security.

The Independence Cup continues to generate excitement around the South Asian country which has been avoided by touring international teams ever since terrorists attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009.

But security has dramatically improved across Pakistan in the last two years, signalling hopes for the slow revival of international sport in the country.